China’s lumber imports fell sharply in the first half of 2026, with the decline concentrated in softwood lumber as weak construction demand, higher import costs and changing supply patterns weighed on trade. According to China Customs data, total lumber imports reached 10.66 million m³ in the first six months of 2026, down 12% from the same period of 2025. Import value declined only 1% to US$3.076 billion, while the average CIF price increased 13% to US$289/m³. Softwood lumber imports fell much more sharply, declining 21% to 5.84 million m³ and accounting ...